Brandon at Random Reviews

This movie is just so fucking cool, man. Like it’s so visual and inspiring and adventurous and well told. There’s daydreaming and relatability and a will-they-won’t-they and mystery and humor and real emotion.

Based on a short story by James Thurber that was previously adapted in 1947 with Danny “Fuckin’” Kaye, Ben Stiller takes on the titular role in this 2013 adaptation and also directs. He puts on a great performance and also shows he is more than capable behind the camera as well. Kristen Wiig plays his love interest, and plays her quite well. I wish she was in more stuff, not WW84 because that was a pile of shit, but other things. Sean Penn is seen a lot in this, but he doesn’t have a very big role when all is said and done. Patton Oswalt does serve as great comic relief as an eHarmony/online dating call center guy.

There are many a stunning visual to be seen in this one, mountains, oceans, valleys, cityscapes, and enough mind-wandery daydreams to get lost in. There is so much to look at, so much to think about.

The message of this movie is a solid one, one that motivates and inspires. There are some great words to live by that are scattered throughout as Walter goes on his exciting journey. Also, I forgot to mention, Adam Scott plays another total dickwad on par with his character in Step Brothers and I really enjoy his knack/range for playing either a jerk or a good dude while seemingly being such a likable guy in real life.

I don’t have a ton to say about this one to be honest, but it fully kept my interest and was a total thrill to re-watch. Check it out sometime when you get a minute.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

“I get it, you’ve got your marching orders and you have to do what you have to do, but you don’t have to be such a dick. Put that on a plaque and hang it at your next job.”